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Governor Paterson signed a name change for the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities into law on Monday. From the press release:

“This name change sends a strong message that New York values the dignity and respect of individuals with developmental disabilities” Governor Paterson said. “For many people with developmental disabilities the words ‘mental retardation’ are hurtful and represent a disrespectful term. The Office For People With Developmental Disabilities is a name that respects their rights as people with developmental disabilities to have an agency name that invokes pride, and not shame.”

This has been the culmination of several efforts over the last few years to change the agency’s name. Most recently, a stakeholder meeting was convened with parents, advocates, providers and individuals with developmental disabilities. There was overwhelming agreement that the time had come to remove the “R” word. Stakeholders and representatives from across the State gathered together to come to the OPWDD consensus.

OPWDD Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter: “The time has finally come for New York to join the 48 other states that have dropped the ‘R’ word. I want to assure everyone that our name may be changing, but who we are and what we do stays the same: We have and will always provide top quality supports and services to people and families. I would like to commend Governor Paterson for his efforts ensuring that this name change would be achieved.”

That’s one: what other state agencies or departments do you know of that have similar hopelessly outdated names that should go?

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